“I Just Know He’s Getting Better”
July 31st, 2014
Lovie Smith chimes in on his wounded Pro Bowler
The wounded in the Bucs’ cornerbacks crew are piling up.
It’s nothing serious, but it’s still there, for a new defense that needs to jell. Something that won’t be so easy, warns Derrick Brooks and Warren Sapp.
Yesterday, cornerback Mike Jenkins, battling with Johnthan Banks for a starting gig, walked very gingerly off the practice field with a hint of a limp. CP Rashaan Melvin is out of his walking boot but still in street clothes.
And then there’s Pro Bowler Alterraun Verner, the big-money pickup pegged to replace Darrelle Revis. Verner missed his second consecutive practice yesterday with a hamstring issue. His return date is unknown said Lovie Smith during his Wednesday evening news conference.
Lovie said he fashions himself as a hamstring expert and cautioned there should be no red alert for Verner’s condition.
“I just know he’s getting better,” Lovie said.
But Joe is growing concerned. Verner was clear that he needs the work in what was a foreign defense to him. He’s explained how he’s being schooled to transform into a press cornerback.
Man, Joe’s got his fingers crossed that Verner can get back into training camp and hit the ground running come Sept. 7.
July 31st, 2014 at 12:07 pm
I’m just hoping to get thru the pre-season with no big time injuries.
Joe, you’ve been to 5 practices so far. Without giving away any Bucs strategy, can you describe what this Tedford offense is going to be doing or can you even tell from what you’ve seen so far?
July 31st, 2014 at 12:16 pm
Joe is always concerned about something:Oline, QB, CB, Safety, Pass rush, Coaching..
The Joes might need some vacation before the season starts…
July 31st, 2014 at 12:16 pm
Your on point this year Joe. Your dishing out stories left and right. Keep doing what you do my man!
Joe will press on in the swelter. –Joe
July 31st, 2014 at 12:24 pm
Having to “transform” a player doesn’t sound good. Hope it works.
July 31st, 2014 at 12:32 pm
Until a team wins a Super Bowl, there is always concern.
Only with the 1972 Dolphins was there an NFL team with no concerns.
July 31st, 2014 at 12:40 pm
Outside of Verner our CB situation is still a concern. We have lots of bodies but no standouts. We need one or two of these guys to start separating from the pack in preseason before I’ll feel better about where they’re going. Banks should he better, but beyond him is there anyone worth getting excited about? On the bright side there’s a lot of guys, and a lot of potential. On the downside, Banks and Verner had better stay healthy – I’m not drinking the kook aid about Jenkins yet.
July 31st, 2014 at 12:43 pm
Banks will be fine. He’s been going up against VJax almost exclusively all week. More often than not, he is holding his own very nicely.
July 31st, 2014 at 1:00 pm
@Louis Friend: I love kook-aid!
July 31st, 2014 at 1:13 pm
@Piratic Says:
“…Louis Friend: I love kook-aid!”
The official drink of the MGM!!
July 31st, 2014 at 3:57 pm
No, that would not be lemonade.
July 31st, 2014 at 4:37 pm
“The official drink of the MGM!!”
So far Harry the official drink has been a home brewed concoction called IToldUSo which has been forced upon the MG8 haters at just about every junction this past offseason. Kid is either very lucky or talented, I’m going with the latter
July 31st, 2014 at 4:50 pm
@Toes,
I hope you are right.